Youcef Nadarkhani

FAITH UNDER FIRE

Iran uses beatings to pressure Christian pastor

Reports confirm jailed leader resisting campaign to make him recant

By Michael Carl

Read more: Iran uses beatings to pressure Christian pastor

Beatings and solitary confinement are two of the tools being used by Iranian officials to pressure a Christian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani condemned for blasphemy to recant his faith,  according to reports.

Iran has planned to execute Nadarkhani, but he remains alive because of the international furor created by the Islamic republic's plan to destroy a man who says he never was a Muslim.

Compass Direct says the Church of Iran pastor who has been on death row since his blasphemy conviction in September 2010 "is in deteriorating health," according to a member of Nadarkhani's denomination, who requested anonymity.

Compass also reported this week that the information is sketchy because communication is very limited.

Aidan Clay, International Christian Concern's Middle East specialist, says Nadarkhani is enduring harsh treatment.

"Recent reports indicate that Pastor Youcef has been struck by authorities during frequent interrogations and has been placed in solitary confinement for extended periods of time," Clay said.

Clay said Nadarkhani is also under continual pressure to recant his Christian faith.

Read more: Iran uses beatings to pressure Christian pastor

-- Fair use for educational and discussion purposes --

Father send down Your reigning provision over this dear soul belonging to You, Lord Jesus, Cover this dear saint in Your Refuge, for You are there with Him, we believe this.

  Fence a glorious hedge of strength and Light over this Pastor who desires only to glorify You,  Lord God ~~Send your warring heavenly angels to protect him, . .   in the Power of the Holy Spirit indwelling keep this Pastor strong in soul and spirit  . .  Clothe him in the Light of Jesus so powerful the enemy sees the fire of Your fury . . Cause the enemy's schemes to backfire, and strengthen this Pastor with surrounding heavenly angels . . May Your Light surrounding this dear saint cause the enemy to gasp with fright over the Authority of the Messiah and Risen Lord's Presence right there in the jail ~~

Lord we cry out Your very Word, lifting up Your promises to the Throne,  that Your Word is strong in power over this dear saint who places his trust in You . .  . .

. . "whosoever places his trust in the LORD shall be safe" . . Prov. 29:25

Oh, strengthen this pastor, . .  we cry out to You, Father, to our God and Lord Jesus, to You, Mighty God and Maker, to You Who stretched forth the Heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth.  Lord Jesus nothing's too hard for You . .  Cause confusion amidst Your fury over the oppressors who are bent on destroying life, and the Truth ~

~ Father, continue to cover this Pastor in Your Strength . . we pray believing You hear and answer ~~ May great intercession empowered by Your Spirit cause Your will to be known . . May Your Hand stretch forth and infuse this dear Pastor with Your Holy Spirit Strength.   May it be, Lord Jesus,  this Pastor is strengthened with God's Authority and Grace, for he trusts You by given faith  ~

I have been lifting this dear brother up in prayer as well. Thank you for sharing this update Donna.

Just as Stephen was a martyr maybe this pastor will be too and many after him during the trib, everyone has his place and destiny, they say the blood of martyrs ..........

Agreeing with you, Donna & all, again today.